Stuart James Running For Circuit Court Judge

Longtime Hamilton County litigator Stuart James has picked up qualifying papers to run for Hamilton County Circuit Judge. He said he plans to run for the seat being vacated by Judge Jackie Bolton.

Attorneys Catherine Cate White and J.B. Bennett announced earlier for that post.

Attorney James, 56, has been a longtime resident of Hamilton County and has deep family roots in the region. He graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in 1989 and immediately joined the Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia Bar Associations. He has been a litigator since the beginning of his practice. In his career, he has represented individuals, large corporations, small businesses, and local non-profit groups in state and federal courts.

“Judges are the gateway for people in our community to find fairness, justice and truth,” said attorney James when announcing his candidacy. “I want to ensure that our courts treat all people equally and settle conflicts fairly.”

His campaign said, "A lifelong Democrat, James is a frequent commentator on local issues and deeply involved in his community. Even though he has stood for progressive values throughout his career, his law practice has represented conservative and liberals alike and both sides are rallying to his candidacy because of James’ fair-minded approach and trustworthiness."

Attorney James, a former chairman of the county Democratic Party, said, “In my litigation practice I have seen the faces of death, I have witnessed businesses ravaged by fire, and I have seen children given up to drug users. I have represented people irreparably injured in accidents and I have defended people wrongfully accused. I have spent my entire career in the courtroom and know how judges affect people’s lives.

“In my campaign for Circuit Court Judge, election law does not permit me to make promises — with one crucial exception: I can promise to stand up — using my experience and insight — for the inherent values inextricably tied to the words fairness, justice, and truth. I pledge to work for those principles by keeping the court where it belongs: in the hands of the people.”

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